What Is Acne

Acne is a condition that is closely tied to the oil glands. While it is not considered as a disease, it is not dangerous though it leaves the skin scarred. The word acne is borrowed from another word acme, which comes from the Greek acme. It means the highest point and through the years, people suffer from this condition without understanding what it is all about. The skin has tiny pores that are connected to the oil glands found under the skin. This connection is through follicles, which are small canals. These glands produce an oily liquid that is known as sebum. Sebum is responsible for carrying dead skin cells. These are taken through the follicles and they break out on the surface of the skin. There are small hairs that grow through the follicles and out of the skin. Whenever these follicles are blocked pimples start growing.

In people, whenever pimples appear, they are spotted on the shoulders, neck, face, back and chest. Acne therefore develops when the follicles are infected and blocked. Areas that are prone to acne breakout contain the largest number of oil glands. For instance, on the forehead, it is estimated that there are over 2,000 oil glands per inch. This condition often occurs in individuals who are in their teenage years or those in their 20’s. While this might be the case, it is ideal to note that there is no age restriction as it affects adults as well as children. There are various types of pimples and they include the following.

Blackheads: these are visible on the skin’s surface. People tend to think that they are caused by dirt but this is not the case. As such, scrubbing them does not help.

Whiteheads: These are hidden under the skin and are extremely small.

Papules: These are small bumps found on the surface of the skin and are normally pink in color.

Nobules: They go deep into the skin, are painful and solid.

Cysts: These are visible pimples, painful and pass out pus. They are also known to cause scars.

How Common Acne Is

According to dermatologists ¾ of the population between the ages of 11-30 get acne at some point. It affects people from all races and ages. While there is no age restriction on who is most likely to get affected, it is ideal to note that it affects young adults and adolescents the most. It is important to note that though it affects both sexes, sex men are prone to suffer from acne outbreaks for longer durations. This is attributed to production of testosterone, which is known to worsen the condition.

Causes of Acne

While there are no major factors known to cause acne, experts believe that rise in androgen could be the contributing factor. The androgen levels increase when people become adolescents and this makes the oil glands grow producing more sebum. These in turn break down the cellular walls and bacteria grow leading to acne outbreaks. There are other studies that suggest it is genetic. To cap it all, it is ideal to note that products that contain androgen and lithium can also cause acne. Read more about what is Acne? here